I pray that you are well and in high spirits of emaan, and taking maximum benefit from this blessed month. May Allah accept from you and all of us, and make us better servants of Allah, aameen. Ramadan is a month of reflection and contemplation.

Indeed, Ramadan is a month when the reward of our deeds are multiplied. Ramadan is a month when we reflect upon the bounties from Allah and think more deeply about others who are less fortunate and how we can help them more.

Allah says:
لَن تَنَالُواْ الْبِرَّ حَتَّى تُنفِقُواْ مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ وَمَا تُنفِقُواْ مِن شَىْءٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ
By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety and righteousness), unless you spend of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well. Surah Aal imran: 92

الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِى السَّرَّآءِ وَالضَّرَّآءِ وَالْكَـظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَـفِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
Those who spend (in Allah’s cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves the Muhsinin (the good-doers). Surah Aal Imran: 134

And there are many many more. Infact, one of the most often repeated theme in the Quran is about spending in the way of Allah, for the needy, the poor, the orphans etc.

One interesting point to note is the word used for spending in the above aayaat: anfiqu or yunfiqu which comes from the word “Nafaq” and it means tunnel. And what is with a “tunnel”?! we may ask. A tunnel is where things go in and things come out. What goes in should come out. And if it didn’t, then there would be havoc, congestion. Similar are the concepts of circulation of air, water and also, wealth! This circulation is what maintains the healthy balance. Hence spending from what you have and love is a requirement for a healthier and happier society.

We have seen the devastation in Pakistan with the recent floods, let’s donate as much as we can.

Locally though (as haadi students), below are few opportunities to donate:

1. Oakland Humanitarian Day on 26th July insha Allah
We have been receiving donation of new unused items and we are accepting donation on the following items. Remember: it has to be new.
Our target is:
i.  250 pairs of socks
ii. 100 blankets
iii. 300 bottles of water.
Please contact ameer.haadi@almaghrib.org if you would like to donate and for drop-off location. We need all donations by 20th August insha Allah.

2. Give Light (www.givelight.org) is having its fund-raising event on 29th of this month insha Allah. They help orphans all around the world and have to their few muslim orphanages. Qabeelat Haadi wishes to become a sponsor by buying a table which is $650. Please reply back insha Allah.

3. Alameda Masjid fund raising iftar on Aug 21st @ Chandini Restaurant. For tickets, please contact Br Suhaib (vsuhaib@gmail.com or 510 517 4945)

Ramadan Mubarak!! May Allah Subhanahu give us the tawfeeque to benefit from this month and make it the best Ramadan ever. May Allah bless us all with the increasing spirit of emaan, health and zeal to use our precious time with productivity. Aameen!

Alhamdulillah, in today’s time, spiritual, mental and physical preparation for Ramadan has been made so easy with tons of emails, good motivational writings and online webinars/ lectures. Part of preparation is setting up your goals for this month. Remember, this is the month when the gates of heavens are opened and of Hellfire, closed and the Shaytan is in shackles. This is a month when the reward of our Salah, Qiyam and all other ibaadaat are multiplied and that of our Siyam- its reward lies with Allah, for He is The Knower of our intentions and sincerity.

Let us take this opportunity to reflect upon the famous hadeeth of prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam: Innama-l-a’maalu-bi-niyyat (Indeed, actions are (judged) by their intentions). Let us renew and re-direct our intentions to seek the pleasure of Allah, and not just perform because that’s the religious custom of Ramadan.

Let us take from the examples in our Seerah- One, where Sayyidna Abu Bakr radiya Allahu anh was so zealously preparing for the hijrah to Madinah with the Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam, making sure everything was ready. His ultimate sincerity is transparent from the beginning of the preparation till when the time for the hijrah actually came, he cried out of joy and then throughout the journey. Two, the example of the hypocrites when the time for battle preparation came, they would keep delaying what they had to, and then finally miss participating in the battle. Where do we stand in the light of the above examples? Hopefully, insha Allah the first!

It’s never too late!

Living in the US, we have opportunity for more ajar if we are sincere. 1: Unlike in some countries in the Middle East and others where Ramadan is recognised as a holy month, we do not have less working hours. 2. We have the Summer hours and it is hot. Let us remind ourselves of what ‘Umar Radiya Allahu anh advised his son ‘Abdullah on his deathbed: “Try to obtain the characteristics of faith,” and the first one he mentioned was fasting in the intense summer heat. 3. Salathul Isha is late and so Taraweeh extends into late night. Let’s take these as opportunities and not difficulties or obstacles.

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِى أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ
  The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong) (Al-Baqarah: 185)

Let us keep this spirit alive and try to recite more and more Qur’an and increase our connection with the Quran and its Tafsir. We have examples from the sahabah and the righteous that they used to finish 1 khatam-ul-Quran a day, or a Khatam every few days. Uthman Radiya Allahu anh said: If the hearts are healthy, they will never ever become tired reciting the Book of Allah. Imam Al-Awza’ee Rahimahullah said: Ramadan is for tilawat-al-Quran (recitation of Quran) and I’th’amu Taw’aam (feeding food to the needy).

Finally, let’s also remember that Ramadan is a time to show brotherhood and sisterhood. True Brotherhood is when you support one another and encourage each other to excel in Ibaadah. To hold another accountable, have a buddy with whom you will discuss your goals and make sure that they are achieved. Please email us back if you would for us to find a buddy for you. Please mention if you are a brother or sister.

Some very beneficial reading material:

http://outstandingramadan.com/
http://www.productiveramadan.com/

Jazakum Allahu khayr
Wassalamualikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

Qabeelat Haadi

IlmSummit is a unique gathering of aspiring students of knowledge from all around the world. 9 days of iman-increasing, mind-expanding seminars taught by some of the most beloved and knowledgeable shuyookh in the AlMaghrib world.

Learn more about Ilm Summit at http://www.almaghrib.org/ilmsummit/

You may follow http://letstriveforjannah.blogspot.com/ for frequent updates at Ilm Summit 2010 (July 23rd- August 1st) insha Allah. The author of the blog will also try to share some notes and gems during the various classes offered insha Allah.

Insha Allah, this year we will also be having with us our beloved Shaykh Jamaal Zarabozo hafidhahUllah. May Allah give us the tawfeeque to benefit from him and all other shuyookh.

Some testimonials:

Shaykh Yasir Birjas: Since the launch of IlmSummit 2008, this event has become one of my best knowledge retreats I have ever experienced since my departure from Madinah long time ago. I enjoyed every minute of the program, and couldn’t wait to attend IlmSummit 2009 which was another success story, alhamdulillah.

“A re-birth. That’s exactly how Ilmsummit transformed me. Nothing comes close to it, except for the ultimate – Hajj. However, in both instances I felt that my soul, my spirit, my deen were reckoned once again and I had to start fresh, clean, and most importantly re-energerized as I have never been before. The awakening is surreal. In Hajj it was a spiritual ignition; in Ilmsummit both spiritual and academic.”- Student

“The bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood are unforgettable: we met as smiling strangers and we left with aching hearts. Ilmsummit has been a life-changing experience for so many of us and to describe it in words will always be a challenge.”- Student

To read more, http://www.almaghrib.org/ilmsummit/yourclassmate.html

But what about OTHER fitnahs…tests..trials…temptations…the
chocolate cake you had to avoid ‘cuz of your diet..the tempting sin
that society deemed okay but we know was displeasing to Allah…the
blurred lines between truth and falsehood these days…deception
deception lies corruption lack of eeman the lack of Godliness around
us suffocating us…

Muslims always busting out those politics discussions or those
never-ending talks about how to fix the problems our ummah is in…

But what about the biggest test our ummah will EVER face? The Dajjal…!

The Prophet (saws) said that no trial will be bigger from the time of
Adam (as) until the Day of Judgment besides Dajjal!

But are we ready? Will we be deceived by his tricks and deceptions? Or
will we have EDUCATED ourselves and PREPARED ourselves for this trial
and many, many others before the Day of Judgment?

The signs are unfolding just as beads fall from a string….we talk
and talk but do we sit down and study? Think deeply? Learn?

Do we develop ourselves to be the best Muslims possible so we’re ready
for THAT DAY?

Get ready for the test bigger than the ‘big one’ coming to
California… this is the emergency preparation kit we’ve been waiting
for…come check out Shaykh Abdulbary’s class on Surah Kahf packed
with wisdoms and gems Allah has taught us so we’ll be truly *ready*!

Check out the free Friday at MCA, Santa Clara!! Quality Islamic
knowledge, good companionship, great food, an ambiance of angels
surrounding you…what more could you want?

Al-Hadiyah team (Qabeelat Haadi) brings to you the 3rd Issue. Alhamdulillah!

Visit http://qhaadi.org/alhadiyah to access your online copy. It can be found under the “eMagazine” on the left-hand side bar.

For better reading experience, click here (view it in fullscreen button found on the left corner)

We have hard  copies for those who prefer to read books rather than online. Pls contact editor.alhadiyah@gmail.com

Jazak Allahu khayr

Wassalamualikum warahmathullah

Al-Hadiyah Team

Ps: ECHOES OF A CAVE _ Tafseer Surah Al-Kahf starts this Friday. Enjoy a glimpse into the class on Pg 8

Gear up for Eman Rush, Contentment, Reliance, Patience, Humility, Knowledge….
Find Enlightenment in stories of A bunch of kids, A Dog; Musa (AS) and Al-Khidr; A boat, A Wall; Two people, their gardens and more….
With Me, You and SHAYKH ABDULBARY YAHYA…

June 25*-27 & July 3-4, 2010
(It’s going to be Unforgettable FRIDAYS after that….insha Allah)*

 June 25th- Free Friday Session – 7pm-10pm
Saturday & Sunday- 10am-7pm

MCA Banquet Hall
Enroll Now:  http://bit.ly/sura_kahf

 Snacks and refreshments will be provided during Break time
Contact haadibabysitting@gmail.com for babysitting. 
Questions, concerns and special requests, info@qhaadi.org

Once while I was with the Prophet Salallahu Alahyi Wa Salaam and Sa’d, Ubai bin Ka’b and Mu’adh were also sitting with him, there came to him a messenger from one of his daughters, telling him that her child was on the verge of death. The Prophet told the messenger to tell her, “It is for Allah what He takes, and it is for Allah what He gives, and everything has its fixed time (limit). So (she should) be patient and look for Allah’s reward.”

(Sahih Bukhari)

The Prophet said, “There will be no town which Ad-dajjal will not enter except Mecca and Medina, and there will be no entrance (road) (of both Mecca and Medina) but the angels will be standing in rows guarding it against him, and then Medina will shake with its inhabitants thrice (i.e. three earth-quakes will take place) and Allah will expel all the nonbelievers and the hypocrites from it.”

(Sahih Bukhari)

By Allah, I am the first person amongst the Arabs to throw an arrow in the cause of Allah and we used to go with Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) and there was no food for us to eat but only the leaves of hubla and samur trees (they are wild trees) and as a result thereof one amongst us would relieve himself as does the goat. (How strange it is) that now the people of Banu Asad (the progeny of Zubair) instruct me in religion and try to impose punishment upon me (in regard to it). If it is so (that I am so ignorant of religion), then indeed, I am undone and my deeds have been lost.

(Sahih Muslim)

‘Abdullah bin Salam heard the news of the arrival of Allah’s Apostle Salallahu Alahyi Wa Salaam (at Medina) while he was on a farm collecting its fruits. So he came to the Prophet and said, “I will ask you about three things which nobody knows unless he be a prophet. Firstly, what is the first portent of the Hour? What is the first meal of the people of Paradise? And what makes a baby look like its father or mother?’. The Prophet said, “Just now Gabriel has informed me about that.” ‘Abdullah said, “Gabriel?” The Prophet said, “Yes.” ‘Abdullah said, “He, among the angels is the enemy of the Jews.” On that the Prophet recited this Holy Verse:– “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel (let him die in his fury!) for he has brought it (i.e. Qur’an) down to your heart by Allah’s permission.” (2.97) Then he added, “As for the first portent of the Hour, it will be a fire that will collect the people from the East to West. And as for the first meal of the people of Paradise, it will be the caudite (i.e. extra) lobe of the fish liver. And if a man’s discharge proceeded that of the woman, then the child resembles the father, and if the woman’s discharge proceeded that of the man, then the child resembles the mother.” On hearing that, ‘Abdullah said, “I testify that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that you are the Apostle of Allah, O, Allah’s Apostle; the Jews are liars, and if they should come to know that I have embraced Islam, they would accuse me of being a liar.” In the meantime some Jews came (to the Prophet) and he asked them, “What is ‘Abdullah’s status amongst you?” They replied, “He is the best amongst us, and he is our chief and the son of our chief.” The Prophet said, “What would you think if ‘Abdullah bin Salam embraced Islam?” They replied, “May Allah protect him from this!” Then ‘Abdullah came out and said, “I testify that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah.” The Jews then said, “Abdullah is the worst of us and the son of the worst of us,” and disparaged him. On that ‘Abdullah said, “O Allah’s Apostle! This is what I was afraid of!”

(Sahih Bukhari)

The Prophet Salallahu Alahyi Wa Salaam said, “Allah will say to that person of the (Hell) Fire who will receive the least punishment, ‘If you had everything on the earth, would you give it as a ransom to free yourself (i.e. save yourself from this Fire)?’ He will say, ‘Yes.’ Then Allah will say, ‘While you were in the backbone of Adam, I asked you much less than this, i.e. not to worship others besides Me, but you insisted on worshipping others besides me.’ ”

(Sahih Bukhari)